APO-Gabapentin 400mg

APO-Gabapentin general information

What is APO-Gabapentin used for?

APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg are used to treat epilepsy in adults and children over 3 years who have not responded to other antiepileptic drugs.  Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that is characterized by seizures or fits of different types that can range from mild to severe.  APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg are used to control seizures in several forms of epilepsy, ranging from partial seizures, in which the area of the brain involved in a seizure is localised, to generalized tonic-clonic seizures, in which the whole brain is involved.  APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg are also used to control neuropathic (nerve) pain in adults, including, painful diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia, caused by shingles (herpes zoster), to reduce pain sensations primarily in the arms and legs, such as burning stabbing shooting or shooting pain, with tingling numbness or pins and needles.

How does APO-Gabapentin work?

APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg contain gabapentin, an anticonvulsant that is used to treat epilepsy and nerve pain.  Gabapentin in APO-Gabapentin capsules is thought to work by controlling certain neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate) that send nerve signals from the brain causing seizures or nerve pain.  Gabapentin in APO-Gabapentin capsules is an analogue of, and has a similar chemical structure to the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).  GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces transmission of nerve signals from the brain to other parts of the central nervous system.  Gabapentin in APO-Gabapentin capsules does not work through the same receptors as GABA and therefore has a different mechanism of action to other GABA analogues like barbiturates and benzodiazepines, however, it does bind to a receptor in the brain, that has yet to be determined and it is thought to control neurotransmission via voltage-gated calcium channels, which are ion channels in the cell membranes of nerve cells involved in the propagation of electrical signals.  APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg reduce the amount of nerve excitation that causes epileptic seizures and nerve pain, which helps control symptoms associated with epilepsy and neuropathic pain.

What does APO-Gabapentin contain?

APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg contain the active ingredient gabapentin sodium (400mg), an anticonvulsant that is used to control epileptic seizures and nerve pain.  They also contain croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, gelatin (capsule), Black ink (SW-9008/SW-9009)

Treating epilepsy with APO-Gabapentin

APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg contain gabapentin, an anticonvulsant that is used to control seizures in several forms of epilepsy, ranging from partial to generalized tonic-clonic seizures, in adults and children who have not responded to other antiepileptic drugs.  Epilepsy is due to an imbalance of neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate), which cause bursts of electrical activity in the brain sending nerve signals from the brain to the central nervous system that triggers seizures.  APO-Gabapentin 400mg capsules are not effective in forms of epilepsy that do not have seizures (absence and myoclonic).  Although the exact mechanism of action of APO-Gabapentin 400mg is not known, it is thought to work by suppressing transmission of certain excitatory nerve signals from the brain to the central nervous system which reduces epileptic seizures.

APO-Gabapentin for nerve pain

APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg contain gabapentin, an anticonvulsant that is also effective at reducing nerve pain and is used to control several types of neuropathic (nerve) pain in adults, including, painful diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia, caused by shingles (herpes zoster).  Although the exact mechanism of action of Gabapentin in APO-Gabapentin 400mg is not known, it is thought to work by binding to specific receptors in the brain, which suppresses transmission of certain excitatory nerve signals from the brain to the central nervous system, and this reduces pain sensations primarily in the arms and legs, such as burning stabbing shooting or shooting pain, with tingling numbness or pins and needles.

What are the side effects of APO-Gabapentin?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg include dizziness or light-headedness, fatigue, drowsiness, fever, lack of coordination (ataxia), gastrointestinal upset (constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting), dry mouth, red swollen gums, muscle pain, cramps, back pain, forgetfulness, loss of concentration confusion or abnormal thinking, difficulty speaking, weight changes, hypertension, vasodilatation, visual disturbances, peripheral oedema (swelling of the hands or feet), nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), skin rash, itching. Other side effects more common in children include: infection, emotional lability.

When should APO-Gabapentin not be used?

You should not use APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg if you:

• are allergic to gabapentin or any ingredients in APO-Gabapentin
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have kidney disease
• have mixed seizure disorders that include absence seizures
• are taking medicines that interact with APO-Gabapentin including cimetidine for peptic ulcers, antacids for reflux, opiate analgesics like morphine

What medications interact with APO-Gabapentin?

Several medications interact with APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg and should either not be taken while you are taking APO-Gabapentin or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction with APO-Gabapentin: opiate analgesics like morphine
• Drugs that affect APO-Gabapentin: cimetidine for peptic ulcers, antacids for reflux,

How should APO-Gabapentin be taken?

You should take your APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg swallowed whole with a glass of water with or without food, 3 times daily and do not allow more than 12 hours between doses.  The dose you take depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendations.  Your doctor may increase your dose gradually depending on how well your condition is controlled.  You should not suddenly stop taking your APO-Gabapentin 400mg as this may cause withdrawal side effects, instead your doctor will reduce your dose gradually over one week, when you are ready to discontinue treatment.  You should continue to take your APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg for as long as recommended by your doctor even if you are feeling better, as APO-Gabapentin 400mg helps control your condition but does not cure it. 

How long should you take APO-Gabapentin?

You should continue to take your APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg for as long as recommended by your doctor even if you are feeling better, as APO-Gabapentin 400mg helps control your condition but does not cure it. 

Missed dose of APO-Gabapentin

If you miss a dose of APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should APO-Gabapentin be stored?

You should store your APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.  Protect from heat light and moisture.